Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

Question

Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Your assumption would be true if vehicles were really efficient, but in reality a lot of your fuel gets used doing things other than moving the car forward, nor is the engine equally efficient at all speeds.

The most fuel economical: drive in the highest gear at the lowest RPM your car engine likes.

You’re burning fuel every time the engine turns over, and the highest gear means that you get the best ratio of engine turns to wheel turns.

The lowest speed your engine can handle in the highest gear both reduces RPM and drag, saving fuel.